The Knicks gave up five first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges last June who took less than he could have earned elsewhere.

Mikal Bridges has Giannis Antetokounmpo to thank for his $150 million contract from the New York Knicks. There’s a lot of optimism around the Knicks these days, even after they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Mikal Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks on Thursday, per multiple reports. The Knicks gave up five first-round picks to acquire Bridges last June and he rewarded them by taking less than he could have earned to lock in to a future with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.